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”I wanted my work to be a statement”
Farbenkind

Farbenkind‘s random imagery grasped my intention about a year ago. Following her art on Instagram was really fun, but then she started the Garden of Delight and added a whole new dimension. These illustrations made me think about certain aspects of society. How did Farbenkind feel about this series herself? Let’s find out.

What is drawing to you? Why do you love it?”Drawing has been a part of me since I can remember. I love creating images and telling stories, especially when I get to create something out of nothing. You start with a blank page and draw whatever you want. What really fascinates me is that you can tell so much by only using simple lines and shapes. You can create your own world and your own style, which makes it such a good way to express yourself.”

Farbenkind’s Warda Wall commissioned by Warda Network.

How do you mix working freelance, studying and making personal work at the same time? It doesn’t sound easy.”It definitely isn’t! University is my top priority, as it’s like a full-time job. I’m currently studying graphic design and advertising at the University of Applied Art in Vienna. Besides studying I do freelance work as well, but I try to keep the amount of time I pour into it low. I make a living by selling prints of my personal work and freelancing. I wished I had more time for my personal work, but I’m also really glad I get to study arts.”

Do you ever feel uncertain about your work? How do you deal with those insecurities?”Of course I do! I think it’s a natural response to creating things that everyone gets confronted with. I feel like if drawing made me happy and satisfied all the time I’d get stuck at some point. Whenever I feel insecure about my work, I ask myself why and what I can do to improve it. It’s all about self-reflection.”

Vienna has a big artist community. How do you experience this community?”There’s always something going on in Vienna. If you’d want to, you could probably to a vernissage every day! There are so many talented people in Vienna. The number of artists doesn’t make for a bad work environment. It feels more like a community than a group of people competing. I have made some really good friends through art. They give me advice or help whenever I need it.”

Farbenkind’s Garden of Delight series.

Let’s talk about Garden of Delight. Why did you start the series?”The first vulva in the series came to be because of Kollektiv Zyklus’ monthly theme. I wanted to show everybody is beautiful in its own way. Moreover, I wanted to create an unseen image. As a woman, in contrary to a man, you hardly ever see your own genitals. In addition to that, the penis is more commonly displayed and discussed. In everyday life, you’re rarely exposed to a detailed image of a vagina. The media and pornography convey an idealized image of female genitals, which some women can’t relate to. Some women might feel like their own genitals look wrong or ugly because of this. It felt important to illustrate vulvas in all facets, and display it as something beautiful.”

What do you want to achieve with this series?”I wanted my work to be a statement against the idealization of the female genital area and body shaming. The Garden of Delight points out the natural beauty and diversity of vulvas. Naturally every vulva is formed individually and therefore is unique. Garden of Delight visualizes this thought and portraits vaginas in different colours, shapes, sizes and structures.”

What were people’s reactions like?”There was a lot of positive feedback on the series, especially from women. A few people seemed to be embarrassed by simply looking at my work, which showed me that the topic is still clouded in taboo. Other people got really emotional and told me that the work showed them that their body is fine the way it is. So, all in all the reactions were very positive, and I’m glad people were moved by my work.’

More of Farbenkind‘s illustrations can be found on her website, or check out her Instagram page. We hope you enjoyed this interview and that you’ll check out On-Art again in the future.